"Sunday Sermon" The Lord has been very gracious and generous in answering my prayers. My first answered prayer, that I remember, occurred when I was a young boy. A friend had thrown my baseball into the ivy in my parents’ front yard. Half of the yard was covered with overgrown large-leaf ivy. It was like … Continue reading My First Answered Prayer
Christmas Sermon -- Doctrinal Commentary BYU Religion Professor Robert Millet recalled That before leaving from Louisiana on his mission, he asked his LDS father, "Dad, what does it mean to be saved by grace?" He answered quickly, "We don't believe in that." "We don't?" I said. "Why not?" Without any hesitation he replied, "Because the … Continue reading Grace and Works
Marijuana and Driving Ever since marijuana became legal in California, the number of people driving under the influence of marijuana has skyrocketed. This was an unintended, but obvious, consequence of legalization. Marijuana plants contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive drug that gives a “high.” Like alcohol, THC is a central nervous system suppressant/depressant. Like alcohol, THC … Continue reading Entertaining DUI Marijuana Cases
Joseph Smith: No one can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelation No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelation. The Holy Ghost is a revelator. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith p 328) Joseph Smith: Receiving revelation is a privilege of the priesthood One great privilege of the priesthood is to obtain … Continue reading Personal Revelation (Pt 5/5) – Prophetic Insights
"Great Quotes" Too many of my friends, family, church buddies, and love ones have hurt themselves, and others, spiritually, socially, and emotionally by being offended. Their reaction to insults is within their control, and the harm caused is largely self-inflicted. Choose Not to be Offended “To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted … Continue reading Great Quotes: “Choose Not to be Offended”
"Court Case Friday" I was presiding over a misdemeanor jury trial. The young woman prosecutor was a dressed in an cream-colored silk blouse, and expensive tailor suit, with a charcoal pinstripe coat and a matching skirt. This was her first trial, and she wanted to make a big impression on the jurors. We resumed … Continue reading D.A. with Skirt Tucked in Her Panties
Scripture Commentary One day, I got bored during personal scripture study. So, I decided to look up weird words and phrases. The weirdest phrase I found in the scriptures was “dog vomit.” I was surprised that this gross visualization illustrated a profound principle. Most of us have observed the disgusting scene where a dog throws … Continue reading The Scriptures Teach that Incomplete Repentance is Like “Dog Vomit”
"Court Case Friday" As a young prosecutor, I had a case that reminded me of Cinderella and the matching lost slipper. A police officer was chasing a teenage burglar on foot. The juvenile was barefoot, and the officer has difficulty keeping up. In an attempt to get away, the minor scaled a six-foot block wall. … Continue reading “That’s Not My Heel”
"Sunday Sermon" Lessons from my Personal Struggles My lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression has taught me a few things. I learned what is means to “endure to the end,” to choose life over suicide and death. (“To be, or not to be -- that is the question.”)My depression gave me a glimpse of “outer … Continue reading Ten Tips for Dealing With Anxiety and Depression
Commentary In grade school, there were students who took sadistic delight in shattering the hopes and dreams of younger children by announcing, “There is No Santa Clause.” These students felt intellectual superior. “I know something you don’t know.” Those infected with the “There Is No Santa” Syndrome grew up to become contemporary bubble-poppers, nitpickers, and … Continue reading “There Is No Santa” Syndrome
The London Edition 